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Do we really need illuminated street signs in Alamogordo?

Alamogordo Daily NewsFrank Gebbia, Alamogordo

Posted:
09/22/2012 10:38:53 PM MDT

I just read your front page article on the City Commission's decision to go forward with the installation of illuminated street signs. Now we are up to 65 signs (from 32), and the cost has risen to $95,456 -- including $19,000 from the city.

I won't even address the special purpose truck required to safely install the new signs. As usual, I was disappointed with my government's action.

How will these marvels of modern technology substantially improve life for the citizens of Alamogordo? If there is some safety issue involved, then lets's illuminate all of the street signs. In the five years I have lived here, I have had no difficulty getting around with the existing signs. Nor have I encountered tourists unable to identify an intersection, so I don't believe the new signs will make Alamogordo a more attractive tourist destination.

I honestly can't see the upside to this endeavor. The down side, however, is abundantly clear: money! Many people will say that it's a bargain since the state is footing the lion's share of the bill. These are the same bewildered folks who can't differentiate between "government money" and their own money. All "government money" is our money, and to spend it on such a frivolous thing as illuminated street signs is foolish.

All this on top of keeping the Plaza Building in the government family instead of turning it into a profit-making, job-creating, taxpaying entity shows how little regard our government -- all levels -- has for our financial well being.